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PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY

Pediatric dentistry focuses on the oral health of children from infancy through adolescence. Since kids have unique dental needs and are often more anxious about dental visits, treatments in pediatric dentistry are designed to be child-friendly, minimally invasive, and effective. Below is a detailed and easy-to-understand guide to the various treatment modalities available for children.

Preventive Dentistry

Prevention is always better than cure, especially for kids! We focus on stopping dental problems before they start.

  1. a) Fluoride Treatment
  • Fluoride strengthens tooth enamel, making it more resistant to cavities.
  • A fluoride gel, foam, or varnish is applied to the child’s teeth in the clinic.
  • It’s a quick, painless procedure that provides long-term protection.
  1. b) Dental Sealants
  • Thin, protective coatings applied to the chewing surfaces of molars (back teeth).
  • Prevents food and bacteria from getting stuck in the deep grooves of teeth.
  • Lasts for years and significantly reduces the risk of cavities.
  1. c) Space Maintainers
  • If a child loses a baby tooth too early, a space maintainer keeps the gap open.
  • Prevents neighboring teeth from shifting into the empty space.
  • Ensures the permanent tooth erupts in the right position.
  1. d) Oral Hygiene Education
  • Pediatric dentists teach kids and parents the best brushing and flossing techniques.
  • Diet counseling helps parents understand the impact of sugary foods and drinks.

Restorative Dentistry

When cavities or dental injuries occur, restorative treatments help bring back the function and appearance of the affected teeth.

  1. a) Tooth-Colored Fillings (Composite Fillings)
  • Used to repair small cavities.
  • Made of a tooth-colored resin, blending naturally with teeth.
  • Safe and mercury-free, making them ideal for children.
  1. b) Stainless Steel Crowns (SSCs)
  • Used when a cavity is too large for a regular filling.
  • Protects baby teeth from further decay and ensures proper chewing function.
  • Pre-made crowns are fitted and cemented onto the tooth.
  1. c) Pulpotomy (“Baby Root Canal”)
  • If decay reaches the nerve (pulp) inside a baby tooth, a pulpotomy removes the infected portion.
  • The remaining healthy pulp is protected with a special medicated filling.
  • A stainless steel crown is often placed to restore the tooth’s function.
  1. d) Pulpectomy
  • Similar to a full root canal but for baby teeth.
  • The entire infected pulp is removed, and the root canals are cleaned and filled.
  • Helps save the tooth until it naturally falls off.

Interceptive Orthodontics

Some dental problems need early intervention to prevent more serious orthodontic issues later.

  1. a) Space Maintainers (Mentioned earlier under Preventive Dentistry)
  • Holds space for permanent teeth after early tooth loss.
  1. b) Habit-Breaking Appliances
  • Thumb-sucking or tongue-thrusting habits can lead to misaligned teeth.
  • Special oral appliances help children stop these habits before they cause major problems.
  1. c) Early Orthodontic Treatment (Phase 1 Treatment)
  • Some children may need braces or other orthodontic devices as early as age 6 or 7.
  • Helps guide jaw growth and prevent severe misalignment.